Do You Know People Who Left Because Of Dehlin?

[juliann]

I'm curious how many people here know of friends or relatives who credit Dehlin with their decision to leave the Church. There has been a lot of talk about his influence but how extensive has it been in your experience? I have seen many credit him with setting them on the path of leaving but I actually don't know anyone personally.  

 

Please no posts about how awful it (or he) is.....real life stories are more meaningful. Thanks all!

[bluebell]

I have an old mission companion who left and while she was going thru the process adored (and as far as I know still does) him. She was constantly sharing stuff by him on Facebook.

She's never come out and said he was the reason she left though.

[juliann]

His being an influence is enough. Thanks, BB.

[Tacenda]

My first stumbling block in my faith crisis was seeing the Joseph Smith's Wives link, not Brian Hales work.  If it ended there I may still be TBM.  But then somehow that trail led to the below youtube by John Dehlin.  After that other things popped up like staylds.com and NOM.  And then onto Fair LDS and I would post questions and receive responses from Greg Smith that didn't completely compute.  I didn't set out to disbelieve.  I was a TBM, never questioned that the church was true, or the First Vision.  It never entered my mind that these things could be untrue.  Even in a rebellious time as a young adult.  

 

I probably attribute John Dehlin and his Mormon Stories podcasts to ending belief for me.  I listened to his podcasts because it was assurance that I wasn't going crazy and that others were struggling with learning the warts in the church, and John started out with many guests that are believing LDS, that helped those of us that struggle.  I don't think John started out wanting to take people down.  Nor do I think he wants to take people down now.  Only that members need to know the truth and then make an informed decision.  Somewhat like Fair does.  But Fair atleast comes from belief, unlike John.  So since John is coming from disbelief now.  Maybe he should be very careful to not lead faithful members astray.  Or maybe not.  I'm on the fence, on the fence on how this information should be taken.  I'm currently listening to a K-Talk program with Don Bradley and Dan Petersen.  One of the call-ins said that he didn't care if the BOM wasn't actual history, he just knows he's happy in the church and that the BOM inspired him.  I guess this is one way to go.  Much like believing in some of the bible and wanting to live with Christ's teachings, it makes them happy.   

 

I know probably thousands that are like my case.  So there you go Juliann.  I don't know if I could live with myself If I were John.  You just never know how many are worse off or better off.  

 

 

Sorry about the format.  I can only c/p in chrome, and it wants to bring the whole thing up, so sorry.  

Edited May 24, 2015 by Tacenda

[juliann]

Thanks, Tacenda.

[BlueDreams]

No.....but to be fair I don't know a lot of people who would describe themselves as ex-mormon or having "left the church." There's those who I know have sour feelings towards the church, or have beliefs outside the usual box, or are currently not active for whatever reason (all still considering themselves mormon to some extent). I think some of them may have been influenced by voices like Dehlin, and may reference one of his podcasts...but that's the gist that I've heard.

 

I can think of one guy who's mostly out, or doing that "always a mormon, no matter what" thing who from what he's mentioned may have been influenced by things by Dehlin. But from what I know of him, he's a living example of the more negative ex-mormon stereotypes (ie. removing self from beliefs that "limit" one's choice of lifestyle). And so the intellectual quibbles feel a little shallow IMO.  

 

With luv,

BD

[Kevin Christensen]

I got some CDs of the Palmer interview from a member whose son sent them to her by way of explaining why he was no no longer active. A few weeks ago, a friend at church said that his mother, father, sister, and brother in law all left after having been pointed to the CES letter by Dehlin. And I found that the tone of the comments under the Coe interview was extremely negative and skeptical.

FWIW

Kevin Christensen

Bethel Park, PA

[Jeanne]

The choice is still theirs to make..Dehlin, and all the other "dissenters" did not make these decisions for anyone.  Getting the meat instead of the milk changes everyone in some way

[rodheadlee]

The choice is still theirs to make..Dehlin, and all the other "dissenters" did not make these decisions for anyone.  Getting the meat instead of the milk changes everyone in some way

I guess that depends on what you consider meat.

[blooit]

People who leave the church make their own decisions.  Dehlin would claim he give a voice to those people.  I would argue he helps them delude themselves... but anyway

 

I have 1 brother in law and a family I home teach who both credit Dehlin with their "liberation."  I also know others who left before but ardently support him now... because he makes them feel better about their decisions.

[juliann]

Please no lectures or debates for now :-)  Not that it isn't valid....I just want to stay on topic and there are strong feelings on both sides. 

[Jeanne]

I guess that depends on what you consider meat.

The whole truth..warts and all.

[Jeanne]

People who leave the church make their own decisions.  Dehlin would claim he give a voice to those people.  I would argue he helps them delude themselves... but anyway

 

I have 1 brother in law and a family I home teach who both credit Dehlin with their "liberation."  I also know others who left before but ardently support him now... because he makes them feel better about their decisions.

Blood, would you know what to do with ""liberation"?

[juliann]

Jeanne, please start another thread with your concerns. Thanks.

[Paddy]

Juliann. At least one in my ward in Sydney has been influenced by dehlin. However he has not resigned just lost his faith. There is also two movements gaining traction. One on the Central coast and the other in Queensland of disaffected members. Ironically the group on the central coast call themselves the zoramites. I don't know if these movements claim influence from dehlin but their projections have the traits of dehlins mode of operation. (For want of a better phrase)

Edited May 24, 2015 by Paddy

[omni]

I haven't left the church (and don't plan to), but I guess I could credit JD for helping me admit to myself I no longer believed. My testimony had been on life support for some time while I was grasping for something, anything to hold on to. I had made sure never to listen to anything "anti", but for some reason decided I would try one of his podcasts. I listened to the episode with the McClays (former seminary principal who left the church with his family) and about half way through my shelf had completely collapsed. There was no turning back, no more grasping for straws.

Edited May 24, 2015 by omni

[rodheadlee]

The whole truth..warts and all.

History? or glimpse of the Mysteries of God? History fascinates me but i do not consider it the meat of the Gospel, that would be a 5 minute look at the Celestial Kingdom. History is a handmaiden and you can dress her up anyway you like (old Chinese proverb) Gossiping about the early Church members is not history, They are not available to defend their motives, it is for the most part speculation. Sorry for the derail Juliann. I'll start a new thread. I don't know anyone who even knows who John Dehlin is except on this board.

[Calm]

deleted

Edited May 25, 2015 by calmoriah

[Coreyb]

Four of my wife's cousins and a couple friends from my old singles ward, and my favorite ward mission leader from my mission with his whole family

[why me]

Trying to blame John for leading people out of the church seems like an unfair question to ask. Everyone's decision to leave or stay is their own.

 

Of course each person makes his or her decision. But one must also give blame to the person who gives influence. John has flippoed flopped quite a lot and so, depending on the flip flop, people have been influenced either to stay or leave. Not to mention his MS chapters and conferences. At one time, he gave influence to doubt and at other times he gave influence to faith. At the moment, many of his old followers seem to have left his influence.

 

I do know a couple of people who have been influenced by him but not in a positive way.

[Kaleb Webb]

I can count the number of friends/family members who've heard of Dehlin on one hand, and most of them aren't fans. I listened to his podcast for a few months last year, but then he started interviewing people like Sandra Tanner or the CES Letter guy.

[Tacenda]

I can count the number of friends/family members who've heard of Dehlin on one hand, and most of them aren't fans. I listened to his podcast for a few months last year, but then he started interviewing people like Sandra Tanner or the CES Letter guy.

I want to say those podcasts were the final straw.  

[Duncan]

Possibly, but I know for myself and another member who is active his interviews didn't do anything for them. I liked his interview though with the bro. who was a MP in Chile and talked about that but with any interview how much is real and how much is imaginary or whatever. I can't say I know anyone personally who stumbled onto his stuff and quit as a result. I know many, many who have left but don't know if Dehlin fits into any of it

Edited May 25, 2015 by Duncan

[Calm]

deleted

Edited May 25, 2015 by calmoriah

[hope_for_things]

Why in the world would you think I am related to him? That is not only out of left field it is bizarre considering how many times he has been the topic of discussion here. Nor have I asked about "blame." Some people see what he has done as good, some don't....but the stories will be the same.

You are really out of line. (And I reported your post.)

I meant no offense, sorry it was perceived that way. I thought I had heard of a JulieAnn that was his relation. Looks like Ham Clam confirmed that.

 

Giving out real life information that a poster has not disclosed is one of the worst sins you can commit on this board. If you were right you would have been banned. The posts have been removed.